Now Open: Viceroy Maldives on the Private Island of Vagaru

As we reported back in January, the Viceroy Hotel Group is on a roll—with new hotel openings in the works including a property in Istanbul and Bodrum, Turkey. The latest addition to the portfolio is the “uber-luxe”Viceroy Maldives, which opened on April 2 on the private island of Vagaru in Shaviyani Atoll, less than an hour’s flight from the capital island of Malé. Encircling a blue lagoon, the resort has five restaurants including beachside dining and a private chef’s table with a wine cellar. There are 32 over-water villas and 29 beachside villas—all with private plunge pools and plenty of living space. Beach villas have lovely gardens with outdoor showers.

Activities run the gamut from fishing trips and windsurfing to kayaking and scuba diving excursions from the resort’s PADI-licensed Dive Centre. There’s also a fitness studio and daily sunrise Yoga classes for landlubbers. The over-water spa villas offer a state-of-the-art spa experience; five of the seven villas have steam showers, private decks and two hydraulic treatment tables. The Couple’s Suite includes a private wet chamber with a Vichy shower. For more information, visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/maldives.